Mumbai, Oct 27 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Monday that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adhered to all regulations set by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) when acquiring land in south Mumbai for the state party office. He emphasized that "individuals accustomed to seizing land should refrain from questioning us."

His remarks came in response to criticisms from the Shiv Sena-UBT and NCP-SP, who challenged the speed and manner of the land transaction, claiming that established protocols were ignored. Fadnavis made these comments during a ceremony following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's laying of the foundation stone for the new Maharashtra BJP office.

CM Fadnavis acknowledged that he anticipated objections from the opposition. “I was aware that when we proceeded to acquire land for the office, there would be unscrupulous individuals ready to cast doubts daily. Hence, I made it clear from the outset that we do not seek government land. We will adhere strictly to the municipal corporation's regulations as all lands in this area are leased. We must obtain permission and make payments,” he explained.

“I instructed our office-bearers to ensure that all actions comply with regulations. We do not want exceptions or shortcuts. Just as any citizen or builder would do when purchasing a plot, the Bharatiya Janata Party will follow the same process. We have secured all necessary permissions, completed every required procedure, and this land was acquired using the party's own funds,” he added.

He noted that there was a collective desire for the state BJP unit to have a suitable office in Mumbai. “To achieve that, we were in search of land. We aimed to acquire affordable private land instead of government property. Manoj Kotak (a former party MP) identified this land in south Mumbai. We faced numerous issues that we resolved progressively. Eventually, we secured this land. Now, some individuals are questioning it. I want to remind them, the Bharatiya Janata Party does not reside in a glass house. Do not attempt to hurl stones at us,” he cautioned.

Earlier, NCP-SP legislator Rohit Pawar voiced strong objections regarding the land selected for the BJP’s state headquarters. “The land for the BJP office where the ‘bhoomi pujan’ is being conducted today in Mumbai is lease land. It falls under Schedule W, and the lease renewal has not been completed. Can Schedule W lease land be sold if the lease renewal is pending? Will the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner provide clarification on this?” he questioned in a post on X.

He further stated, “If plans are underway to sell Schedule W lease land, will significant properties like Mahalaxmi Racecourse also be handed over to private entities in the future? Just as all media outlets were summoned to suppress the Jain boarding case in Pune, it seems similar actions have occurred today regarding this land in Mumbai. Therefore, this issue is serious, and the Commissioner must clarify. If the Commissioner does not clarify, we will approach him tomorrow and demand access to the file.”

Meanwhile, a Shiv Sena-UBT MP addressed Union Home Minister Amit Shah concerning the land where the BJP office will be established. “Marine Lines has yet to receive its Marathi language building. Despite the foundation stone being laid, there has been no progress on the Marathi language building, and it appears no one is concerned. However, today, the Union Home Minister is in Mumbai to conduct the foundation stone ceremony for a five-star BJP office,” he claimed.

“The file for aiding farmers in Marathwada has not progressed. Even after Diwali, farmers have not received relief. Conversely, the file for the BJP’s five-star headquarters has moved at the speed of Rafale. The secret behind this speed is buried underground. Amit Shah is performing the bhoomi pujan today—when he strikes the hoe, the truth will also come to light,” he alleged.